U16 Muratti on cards

THE first Muratti at under-16 level could be given the nod next week. Strong whispers have been circulating that the historic match could be held at Blanche Pierre Lane on 13 May for the Nigel Gavey Memorial Trophy.

Guernsey Football Association secretary Neil Laine confirmed yesterday that was 'possibly, not definitely' the case.

'A formal decision will be made at a board meeting next week,' he said.

Guernsey under-16s' assistant coach Chris du Feu believes a Muratti at this level is a superb idea.

'The GFA and schools will have to talk about the best plans for future development.'

Guernsey youngsters took a journey into the unknown at the weekend with their first matches in the South and West Counties Under-16 Championship.

They battled back from two goals down against Glouces-tershire on Good Friday to secure a 2-2 draw thanks to a brace from Matt Loaring.

'I think it is a big step up from the youth leagues here. It took a while for the boys to acclimatise and realise the movement off the ball and physical nature of the game, which are different,' said du Feu.

'But they adapted at half-time and realised they had the ability to compete at this level. They improved their level of performance and could have gone on to win the game.'

The following day Loaring was again on target, this time from the penalty spot, as Guernsey lost 4-1 to a strong Berkshire & Bucking-hamshire side.

'They were a big, physical side - much bigger than us. We really struggled to compete physically playing two games in two days and we failed to repeat our form of the previous day. We never looked like winning the game and we were outmuscled,' said du Feu.

He believed right midfielder Loaring and centre midfielder Scott Bougourd, who have played all season for the under-18s, were the outstanding two players on the pitch in both games.

'It was a good experience for our best under-16 players. It's probably the first time some of these boys have been asked to perform at that level of playing in their football careers. We learnt a lot about what is expected,' said du Feu.

'From our perspective it's superb development for the players and the opportunity to push themselves against players who are often physically stronger and technically as good or better.'

Guernsey meet Dorset away on Sunday afternoon but they will again be without Star Trophy man of the match Jack Domaille and hat-trickster Greg Roland.

North's Loaring is due to meet up with the squad on match day after spending three days with Grimsby Town under-18s.

The rest of the squad is made up of Tom Creed, Chris Le Cheminant, Tom Duarte, Scott Bougourd, Kieran Mahon, Nigel Hutton, Aaron Lamb (all North), John Purdy, Geoff Robinson, Dave Hooper, Rory Moriarty, Jamie Gauvain (all Vale Rec), Marcus Piercy, Matt Chilcott (both Sylvans) and Jonathan Taylor (St Martin's).